Exciting NBA Playoffs 2023 Predictions: Who Will Triumph in the Unforgettable Finals?

April 12, 2023 –

Teams are attempting to put themselves in the best position for the postseason as the NBA playoffs are set to begin in one week. It’s time to update our projections for the 2022–2023 NBA playoffs.

The Golden State Warriors have won four championships in the last eight years. They were the odds-on favorites to repeat as champions before the season started because their core group was returning. The team’s record, which is currently around.500, indicates that it has been rough going.

The league has been captivated by a few other storylines in the meantime. While the Dallas Mavericks acquired star guard Kyrie Irving, the Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant in one of the biggest trades in league history. As the Western Conference develops into a powerhouse, the Los Angeles Clippers also made numerous player acquisitions. The Eastern Conference, on the other hand, has gotten weaker.

With updates throughout the season, we have provided our NBA playoff predictions for the 2022–23 season below. If you’re interested in learning more about sports betting, check out our sports betting facts and myths before placing your bets.

Eastern Conference NBA Playoff predictions and seeds

1. Milwaukee Bucks (59-23)
2. Boston Celtics (57-25)
3. Philadelphia 76ers (53-29)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31)
5. New York Knicks (48-34)
6. Brooklyn Nets (45-37)
7. Miami Heat (43-39)
8. Toronto Raptors (41-41)

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently the top NBA team, surpassing the Celtics in terms of record. They have a 15-5 record in their last 20 games and are looking to continue their winning streak. Despite a recent 41-point loss to the Celtics, the Bucks are still a top “Big 3” team in the Eastern Conference, along with the Celtics and 76ers.

The Celtics are still a strong team, with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, and have recently elevated Joe Mazzulla to head coach. They sit in second place for NBA playoff predictions in the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia 76ers have struggled lately, with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, but have the potential to recapture their earlier success.

Meanwhile, the Nets, Heat, and Raptors are understated teams that could perform well in the postseason. The Hawks, Bulls, and Wizards are predicted to miss the playoffs, but the Hawks still have a chance with players like Trae Young and John Collins putting together winning streaks.

Western Conference NBA Playoff predictions and seeds

1. Denver Nuggets (54-28)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (52-30)
3. Sacramento Kings (49-43)
4. Phoenix Suns (46-36)
5. Golden State Warriors (43-39)
6. Los Angeles Clippers (42-40)
7. Los Angeles Lakers (42-40)
8. New Orleans Pelicans (41-41)

The gap between the Nuggets and the next-best team in the Western Conference is closing. The Nuggets may no longer be the most talented team in the conference after the trade deadline, but they still hold a significant lead. The Suns and Clippers have made significant additions and could pose a threat if they stay healthy. For the Nuggets to have a chance at the NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic must continue playing at his best.

The Memphis Grizzlies are emerging as a top team in the Western Conference, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. Led by the talented Ja Morant, the Grizzlies could be considered favorites to win the conference. The Kings are also making a push, sitting third in the conference, led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The Clippers are a dangerous team to watch, despite being in fifth place in the playoff predictions.

The Suns have adopted a championship-or-bust attitude and are currently the best team in the league based on stats. However, Kevin Durant must stay healthy for the lineup to gel before the playoffs. The Lakers have a 7-3 record in their last 10 games and are a dangerous team, despite not being included in the top six seeds. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder are also in the mix but will need their star players to stay healthy to make a playoff push.

NBA playoff predictions: Matchups and winners

Eastern Conference, first round

1. Milwaukee Bucks over 8. Toronto Raptors (4-1)

4. Cleveland Cavaliers over 5. New York Knicks (4-3)

2. Boston Celtics over 7. Miami Heat (4-1)

3. Philadelphia 76ers over 6. Brooklyn Nets (4-2)

Western Conference, first round

1. Denver Nuggets over 8. New Orleans Pelicans (4-1)

4. Phoenix Suns over 5. Golden State Warriors (4-2)

2. Memphis Grizzlies over 7. Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)

3. Sacramento Kings over 6. Los Angeles Clippers (4-3)

NBA playoff predictions: Conference semifinals results

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks over 4. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)

2. Boston Celtics over 3. Philadelphia 76ers (4-3)

Western Conference

4. Phoenix Suns over 1. Denver Nuggets (4-3)

2. Memphis Grizzlies over 3. Sacramento Kings (4-2)

NBA playoff predictions: Conference finals

Eastern Conference

2. Boston Celtics over 1. Milwaukee Bucks (4-3)

Western Conference

4. Phoenix Suns over 2. Memphis Grizzlies (4-2)

2023 NBA Finals predictions: Boston Celtics over Phoenix Suns (4-3)